The gateway · Region
One or two nights, at the start or the end.
Most trips start or finish here. Two nights is right: one to arrive and one for the Old Town, the galleries and a good dinner, then the train north.
Edinburgh
Edinburgh is where most of our travellers arrive and leave. We keep it short and good: a hotel in the New Town or a flat in the Old, a private walk through the closes with someone who knows the history, and a table booked.
From Waverley the trains run north to Inverness and Aberdeen, and the Caledonian Sleeper runs south to London. It is the natural hinge of a Scottish trip.
Since July 2026 Edinburgh has a visitor levy on overnight staysverify. We include it in the costs we show you.
Two. One more if it’s your first time in Scotland.
Routes
6–8 nights · Edinburgh · Deeside · Speyside
One estate · One river · The sleeper home
Suggested6–8 nightsTailored to your dates · no package price
View route: Estate and pinewoodExperiences
London to the Highlands
The overnight train from Euston to Inverness, Fort William or Aberdeen.
Where to stay
Placeholders: the kind of place we would suggest, until our specialists confirm the houses and hotels we use.
Hotel
Walking distance to Waverley and the Old Town.
Self-catering
For two or three nights, with a cook for one evening.
Best time to visit
All year. August is the festival: wonderful, full and expensive. Daylight shown for Edinburgh, the nearest Light calendar station; the best months are in bold.
Edinburgh
The festivals fill the city and double hotel prices. Come for them on purpose, or not in August.
Edinburgh airport has direct flights from North America and Europe; the tram runs to the city centre. Routes and operatorsverify pending a specialist check.
Photographs
Speak to a specialist
Tell us when, who’s coming, and what you’re hoping for. One person plans it and looks after you.
Want to see it on the map?
Build a route with the Crossings